Chapter 84: Hu Fuqi

Hu Fuqi’s words had barely finished.

The eyes of all present cultivators shifted again to Qin Ming, filled with confusion.

The Jian Xue Ge Foundation Establishment cultivator who had spoken to Qin Ming earlier wore a complex expression.

“Senior Hu Fuqi, this humble junior’s meager skills are unworthy of such praise—but if it falls within my ability, I am willing to try my best.” Qin Ming was equally puzzled.

How could a senior Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivator possibly need help from someone like him?

“Hehe, no rush!”

“Today is Qing Zhao’s joyous day; let us speak privately after we’ve finished drinking.” Hu Fuqi finished speaking and sat down on the chair beside Qin Ming.

Hu Fuqi gave off a more approachable aura than other Foundation Establishment cultivators, showing no trace of arrogance even toward a lowly cultivator like Qin Ming.

Soon after, the serving maids poured spiritual wine for everyone.

Hu Fuqi even raised a cup and drank with Qin Ming himself.

Seeing the Guardian behave this way, the Jian Xue Ge members at the table began exchanging pleasantries with Qin Ming.

In an instant, the atmosphere at the banquet table became entirely different from before.

Qin Ming drank slowly, pondering Hu Fuqi’s earlier words.

Huang Xishan stood nearby, sweating in embarrassment.

If not for his arrival, this meal would have been unbearable.

At the same time, Huang Xishan was secretly astonished—how deep had Qin Ming hidden his abilities? Even a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator sought his help.

The sun dipped low; the banquet ended.

The cultivators rose one by one, bidding farewell to Gu Qingzhao.

Qin Ming and Huang Xishan also took their leave of her.

“Young Qin, please come to my cave dwelling for a word—it won’t take much of your time,” Hu Fuqi invited.

Huang Xishan, looking slightly awkward, said to Qin Ming: “Then I’ll wait outside while you discuss matters with Senior Hu Fuqi.”

Qin Ming nodded and followed Hu Fuqi to his cultivation cave.

It was not far from Gu Qingzhao’s cave, both located in the most spiritually rich spots.

Yet Hu Fuqi’s style differed sharply from Gu Qingzhao’s—the courtyard’s landscaping was steeped in scholarly charm.

One might mistake it for stepping into a scholarly academy.

“Qing Zhao told me that when you advanced to the rank of top-grade spiritual gardener, your trial was reviving the Golden Sun Tree?” Hu Fuqi asked as they walked.

Qin Ming paused, sensing what Hu Fuqi might be asking of him, then bowed respectfully: “Yes, Senior Hu Fuqi.”

Hearing this, Hu Fuqi’s face lit up with delight, his pace quickening slightly.

“That’s excellent!”

He led Qin Ming to a back courtyard where a small plot of spiritual herb field lay, filled with numerous spiritual herbs.

Lush and vibrant, clearly meticulously cultivated—all were high-grade spiritual plants.

Even several second-rank spiritual plants were present.

Qin Ming needed only one glance to know this was no ordinary cultivator’s work—it was the product of a master spiritual gardener’s painstaking care.

He was startled—could this Foundation Establishment senior be a high-rank spiritual gardener himself?

If so, why had he summoned Qin Ming? A cascade of questions swirled in Qin Ming’s mind.

Moments later.

Hu Fuqi stopped at a corner of the herb field, pointing to a potted plant with a slightly embarrassed expression: “I’d like you to take a look—can you revive this potted spiritual flower?”

Qin Ming stepped closer and saw a potted plant glowing crimson like flame, now withered and barely clinging to life.

“Senior Hu Fuqi… this… aren’t you a spiritual gardener yourself?” Qin Ming voiced his doubt.

Hu Fuqi smiled faintly. “Hehe, I am not. But my partner is a second-rank spiritual gardener.”

He sighed, then explained.

“It was my fault—I was careless. Before my partner left on an errand, she asked me to care for this pot of Flame Heart Seven-Leaf Flower.”

“But recently, I forgot to replace its spiritual soil and water it with spiritual spring water—and now it’s like this.”

“This flower holds great meaning for both of us—it was our token of love, carefully tended ever since.”

“If she returns and finds I’ve let it die, she’ll never forgive me—alas!”

“Young Qin, do you have any way to save this spiritual plant?” Hu Fuqi gazed at Qin Ming with hopeful eyes.

Qin Ming was equally frustrated—this Flame Heart Seven-Leaf Flower was a true second-rank spiritual plant, far beyond the Golden Sun Tree in rank.

Though he still had one remaining [Regenerative Spirit Seed] term, he didn’t want to waste it here.

But if he refused, Hu Fuqi—a full Foundation Establishment cultivator—had pleaded with him in such a humble manner.

What if he offended the man and suffered consequences?

Qin Ming could only sigh inwardly: Damn this love!

“Senior Hu Fuqi, this Flame Heart Seven-Leaf Flower is a second-rank spiritual plant—I currently have limited…” Qin Ming hesitated, trying to decline gently.

But before he finished, Hu Fuqi interrupted him, speaking earnestly.

“If you can help me with this, I, as Guardian, owe you a favor. Any reasonable request, anytime—you may name it.”

Qin Ming’s spirits lifted instantly. “Though this junior’s abilities are limited, I will do my utmost to revive this spiritual plant!” he replied with firm resolve.

Hu Fuqi beamed with delight.

He had entrusted such an important matter to Qin Ming because, before coming, he had already heard from Gu Qingzhao that Qin Ming had purchased spirit seeds and begun cultivating second-rank spiritual plants.

He must have had some confidence to act so boldly.

Qin Ming paused, then said: “Senior Hu Fuqi, I’ll take this potted plant with me. It may take some time—I’ll return it once revived.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to stay in my cave’s guest quarters? Someone will attend to your meals and needs—you needn’t carry it away,” Hu Fuqi hesitated.

Qin Ming could not stay—he insisted: “Senior Hu Fuqi, you know I still have several mu of spiritual plants needing care—I cannot be away too long.”

Hu Fuqi considered briefly, then nodded in agreement.

Moments later.

Qin Ming carried the Flame Heart Seven-Leaf Flower out of the cave.

He had weighed the pros and cons thoroughly.

The term could always be re-rolled.

But gaining the favor of a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator? That was worth it.

At the foot of Yunmeng Mountain, Huang Xishan saw Qin Ming emerge, holding a potted plant.

He asked: “How did your talk with Senior Hu Fuqi go?”

“Fine,” Qin Ming replied vaguely.

Huang Xishan’s eyes widened—he couldn’t help but envy: “Who knew Senior Hu Fuqi would take notice of you? Your path ahead will surely soar—hahaha!”

“Don’t forget to lend your old brother a hand when the time comes!”

…

The two then activated their flying artifacts and returned to Qingyang Market.

(End of Chapter)